A supple and fleshy red, with zesty aromas of black cherry, mocha and spice that lead to rich flavors of red currant, toast and spice. Tannins are ripe and well-structured. Drink now through 2017.

(100% merlot, from a selection of the estate's ripest lots; aged for 17 months in 40% new French oak): Bright red-ruby. Sexy aromas of plum, mocha and chocolate, with hints of resin and underbrush. Rich and dense on the palate and fresher than the nose suggests, showing good energy and lift to the red berry and spice flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and lovely persistence. In a rather feminine style for this normally more structured bottling.

Pride's 2009 Merlot Vintner's Select is gorgeous and silky from the very first taste. Sweet red cherries, licorice, mint, cinnamon and dried flowers are all woven
together in this beautifully balanced wine. The 2009 has lovely mid-palate pliancy to match its radiant, generous personality. I tasted the 2009 Merlot after all the Pride Cabernets and it more than held its own. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.

Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, toasty, spicy, plummy, black cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with a note of cassis; medium-full to full body; rich, textured cedary, dark berry fruit flavors with good depth and hints of tobacco and mocha; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Deserves a few more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.